Lucerne car rental guide
Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Lucerne
The best car rental companies in Lucerne are Sixt, Hertz, Europcar. Prices start from €40/day for an economy car, the minimum age is 21, and airport pickup adds about 13%.
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Ranked comparison
Top 10 rental companies in Lucerne
Ranked by customer rating, price transparency and pickup convenience. Each opens a pre-filled search.
#1
Sixt
Editor’s pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €400Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€43/day
all-in estimate
View Sixt deal
#2
Hertz
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €400Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€45/day
all-in estimate
View Hertz deal
#3
Europcar
Top ratedFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €400Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€41/day
all-in estimate
View Europcar deal
#4
Avis
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €400Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€42/day
all-in estimate
View Avis deal
#5
Budget
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €350Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€39/day
all-in estimate
View Budget deal
#6
Enterprise
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €400Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€46/day
all-in estimate
View Enterprise deal
#7
Alamo
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €400Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€40/day
all-in estimate
View Alamo deal
#8
National
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €400Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€47/day
all-in estimate
View National deal
#9
Vierwaldstätter Auto
Local pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationDowntown
From€36/day
base rate
View Vierwaldstätter Auto deal
Prices are indicative market estimates · Last checked 2026-07-21 · 2 public sources (DiscoverCars + market data)
Price guide
Prices by car type in Lucerne
| Car type | From / day | Example | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | €40 | VW Polo | 4 |
| Compact | €48 | VW Golf | 5 |
| SUV | €68 | Škoda Kodiaq | 5 |
| Minivan (7-seat) | €92 | VW Touran | 7 |
| Luxury | €132 | BMW 5 Series | 5 |
Pickup locations
Where to pick up a car in Lucerne
Airport — Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Lucerne has no airport of its own — visitors fly into Zurich (ZRH) and either pick up a car right at the terminal for the ~50-minute drive south, or take the direct train and rent locally instead.
Downtown — Lucerne city center
Local desks near Lucerne's main train station serve visitors who arrive by train and only want a car for excursions to Mount Pilatus, Mount Titlis, or the surrounding lake villages.
Fees
Fees at a glance
| Fee | Typical amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Airport surcharge | ~13% of base rate | ZRH airport pickup |
| Young-driver fee (21–24) | CHF 20–35/day | Drivers under 25 |
| Additional driver | CHF 10–15/day | Per extra driver |
| Swiss motorway vignette | CHF 40/year | Required for all Swiss motorways; usually pre-included in rental cars |
| One-way fee (Zurich ↔ Lucerne) | CHF 60–120 | Different pickup/drop-off city |
| Refundable deposit | CHF 300–600 | Standard hold at pickup |
Local intelligence
Things to know before renting in Lucerne
- Lucerne has no airport of its own — visitors fly into Zurich (ZRH) and drive roughly 50 minutes south via the A14/A2, or take the direct hourly train.
- Switzerland requires a vignette (motorway sticker), currently CHF 40/year, for the national motorway network — nearly all rental cars already carry one.
- The historic Altstadt and Chapel Bridge area is fully pedestrianized, so cars are parked at the edge and the center explored on foot.
- Mount Pilatus and Mount Titlis, two of the region's signature excursions, are reached by cable car or cogwheel railway from car parks about 20–45 minutes outside the city.
- Winter driving into the surrounding Alps (December–March) often requires winter tires or snow chains, which most rental agencies fit automatically for the season.
- Lucerne sits on Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee), and the scenic lakeside road to villages like Weggis and Vitznau is a popular half-day drive.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Lucerne
Do you need a car in Lucerne?
Not for the old town — the Altstadt and Chapel Bridge are fully walkable. A car becomes useful for Mount Pilatus, Mount Titlis, or lakeside villages that lack direct rail service.
Should I rent a car at Zurich Airport or wait until Lucerne?
Renting at ZRH saves a step and lets you drive straight down. Renting in Lucerne means arriving first by train, then picking up a car only when you need it for excursions.
Do I need a vignette to drive in Switzerland?
Yes, a CHF 40/year motorway vignette is required and almost always pre-included on cars rented in Switzerland.
How do you get to Mount Pilatus from Lucerne?
Drive about 20 minutes to Kriens or Alpnachstad, then take the cable car or the world's steepest cogwheel railway to the summit.
Is driving in the Swiss Alps in winter safe?
Main routes are well-maintained, but winter tires or snow chains are often required. Most rental fleets switch to winter tires automatically from December to March.
Where can I park in Lucerne's old town?
The Altstadt is car-free — visitors use garages at the edge of the center, such as near the train station, at CHF 3–5/hour.
What is the cheapest car type in Lucerne?
Economy cars like a VW Polo start around €40/day. A 7-seat minivan starts around €92/day.
Nearby trips
